Shocking: hundreds serve life sentences in Hungarian prisons for brutal crimes

Life imprisonment is usually imposed by the courts on the perpetrators of the most cruel crimes against life. Such crimes are sometimes perpetrated by young adults, who typically receive less severe punishment despite their utmost brutality.

One case involves a repeat offender who viciously attacked his father with an electric circular saw, while another entails a woman inflicting 107 stab wounds on her daughter, both resulting in life sentences in Hungary. Lawyer József Lichy discussed these cases with Index.hu in a recent article, shedding light on the perpetrators’ brutal crimes and the penalties they faced.

Hungarian law recognises two forms of life imprisonment: with and without parole. In cases of life imprisonment (életfogytig tartó börtönbüntetés), the possibility of parole can be considered after forty years. Conversely, in cases of a life sentence without parole (tényleges életfogytiglani szabadságvesztés), parole can only be contemplated after forty years.

A life sentence without parole represents the most severe punishment in Hungary, typically reserved for cases involving multiple homicides committed with extreme cruelty, particularly against minors.

After serving 40 years of an effective life sentence, the Pardon Board reviews whether the prisoner should remain incarcerated. The Minister of Justice then submits a resolution to the President of the Republic. If the proposal is rejected, the process recurs every two years.

Photo: Alpár Kató/Daily News Hungary

Life imprisonment: does Hungary require more stringent legislation?

Index.hu highlights that life imprisonment can only be imposed on individuals aged 20 or older at the time of the crime, yet many brutal offences are committed by 18 and 19-year-olds. In such cases, the ruling judges often argue whether to impose a life sentence on the perpetrators, but the law does not allow them to do so. Lawyer József Lichy suggests that amendments to the Hungarian Penal Code should be considered, especially for cases involving repeated, premeditated crimes committed with cruelty and malicious intent.

However, there are scenarios where 18-19-year-old offenders evidently have not matured, lacking typical personality traits associated with their age, and consequently failing to grasp the true consequences of their actions. In these circumstances, a life sentence would be unwarranted.

At the same time, the lawyer notes:

“There must exist an internal human depravity such that, even though one has not reached the age of 20 but is over 18, they can comprehend the nature of their actions. In such cases, they rightly deserve life imprisonment.”

He points out the importance of maintaining proportionality in sentencing, wherein the severity of the punishment should correlate with the offender’s character.

Lichy further acknowledges that in such instances, the relatives of the victim often find themselves in a precarious position, feeling that the sentence imposed is either unjust or insufficient.

440 individuals serving life sentences in Hungary

Data from the National Penitentiary Command reveals that out of 440 individuals serving life sentences in Hungary, 348 are men and 17 are women. 74 men and 1 woman are serving actual life imprisonment, indicating they are unlikely to ever be released.

The only woman currently serving an effective life sentence murdered her own child with 107 stab wounds. Among those subjected to life imprisonment are individuals involved in human trafficking and perpetrators of serial murders against Romas. Additionally, a man has been convicted of a crime against humanity, ensuring his incarceration for the remainder of his life.

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